There is increasing evidence that greater constraints on the mainstream school system (narrower curriculum and accountability; funding; governance changes) are creating issues for children with SEND and their families. There has been a rise in the number of permanent exclusions (with pupils with SEND being significantly over-represented), greater barriers to mainstream admission (reported by parents and voluntary organisations) and a significant rise in numbers of children being taught in a range of alternative settings (special schools, PRUs, independent Alternative Provision (AP) providers and at home).There is some emerging political recognition that the relentless push for academic standards is leading to casualties, not just for those with identified SEND, but also for other pupils who are experiencing increased stress and mental health issues.

There are a number of national strands that are converging on this focus:

1. Regulations - what changes should be made to the existing statutory frameworks e.g. Child and Family Act, Disability Discrimination legislation etc., to ensure greater access for SEND? 2. Accountability - how might this work to ensure greater priority and recognition for inclusive practice? 3. Incentivisation - what are the current disincentives to include and how might these be addressed/incentives be increased to support or encourage more inclusive practice?

Timpson Review of School ExclusionThe DfE has published the Timpson Review of School Exclusion. The review was commissioned to consider school exclusion practices in England and why they have risen. The report contains 30 recommendations to government to address exclusions

Family Justice and Young People's Board info and posterThe Family Justice and Young People's Board have created a poster to help schools to signpost children and young people involved in the family courts, or experiencing family separation, to information that may be useful to them.

TUC 2018TUC Congress was held in Manchester - it was a very busy few days and the AEP was represented by Kate Fallon (General Secretary) Lisa O'Connor (President) and John Drewicz (Association Secretary).